It’s over 2,000 years since God came to the earth bodily to make His important purchase of the “souls” of men. The soul of man is the most important thing in the earth though it is darken, wrinkled and totally depraved —its preciousness cannot be valued by mortals. But, the fact that God was willing to pay the price with His own blood should speak volumes to all of mankind.
Since the time the blood of Christ dropped on the earth at the cross of Calvary, every soul coming into this evil world has been paid for. So, why are the souls of men still in the market place for purchase? Is your soul still in the market for sale? How much are you willing to sell it for? Who will you sell it to? The soul can be lost, it can be stolen—every soul that comes into this world can accept the price already paid for it or chose to illegally sell it for a lesser price. The reason any one will sell their soul for a lesser price is the blindfold of the devil which he achieves by appealing to the selfishness in the soul. The soul love to abuse the beautiful gift and privilege of choice from God. It will rather satisfy itself than submit to its maker but any soul that reject the price of Christ blood and illegally sell God’s rightful property will face the penalty of being put away in the prison of hell and eventually to the lake of fire for all eternity Ps 24:1, Titus 2:11, Luke 9:25.
Once Jesus had paid the price for the foundation of the church by spilling His blood, He went down to hell to preach and save all who entered this world before He came—to those who would believe in His atonement because, no soul had been saved before His sacrifice not even those who kept a great deal of God’s law Eph 4:9, 1 Pet 3:19, 4:6.
This mission of preaching the gospel to the souls who are still in the market place will remain the most important assignment God has for those who receive Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord. This commission produces the greatest miracle of regeneration ever known to man. It’s far superior to the miracle of the Sun standing still, the red sea parting, the poor becoming rich and the dead coming back to life.
The wise counsel I was given many years back is this, “Don’t plan to execute the commission, just know His presence daily and follow His word as it resonates in your heart and do as His voice says. You don’t need a table and a secretary–just use you together with others who have His commission at the place you find yourself”. If you do this, you’re fulfilling destiny not that you’ll fulfill destiny because, to fulfill destiny, is to know Christ and walk with Him”.
“To fulfill destiny is to know Christ and walk with Him” Selah.
The doctrine regarding the return of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ is intended to awake us His body to a daily faith filled walk with Him and to be caught up in Him. Also, to cloth us with His ever abiding presence so that we’re always ready both to give an answer for the hope we have in Him and to be called home either by death without prior notice, as we’ve been notified by Him or by being suddenly clothed with our immortal body at His appearing 1 Jn 2:28NLT, Phil 2:16NLT, 1 Cor 1:7-8NLT, 2 Pet 1:14NKJV, 1 Cor 15:52. The sounds of His trumpets are reverberating during the day and at night in the spiritual ears of those who are in Christ and keeping them alert in a way that is peaceful. This peaceful alertness, knows nothing about escapism! It’s not in a hurry to escape this life’s troubles and difficulties. Rather, it’s propelled by the unspeakable joy springing from a real sense of knowing the reality of eternal bliss with God by the help of the Holy Spirit in union with Christ who has opened an eternal way to FELLOWSHIP with God. Adam and Eve enjoyed this marvelous privilege in the Garden of Eden before self and the devil conspired to ruin this God ordained destiny for man. Handling this eternal truth of the Lord’s return as if to say His grace is becoming weak over time and we need to escape is not wise. As usual, when the things of God are dealt with in an unwise manner the devil jumps in quickly and attempts to change its purpose. It is presently crucial that we remind ourselves of the purpose of God in everything He has given to us and especially this lively teaching of His return to the earth. As stated earlier, it is to keep us in an alert state at all times in spite of any circumstances we’re in—even if we’re hard pressed on every side spiritually and physically or flying on Eagles wings and possess all the earthly things we want. On one hand, we can engage this doctrine in a way that serves only our own purpose and state of mind though unintentionally by portraying that this world is too hot for God and His worshipers and as such, He is in a hurry to run away with them before they’re defeated . Usually, Mark 13:20 is used to support this view, the interpretation of which cannot be further from the truth. If anything, we’re boldly told that the grace of God is sufficient for those in Christ! 2 Cor 12:9,1:5, Phil 4:12. The phrase in verse 20 of Matt 13, “no human being would be saved” or no flesh would have survived is a reference to being physically alive. Some elect of God must be physically alive at the time of His return and will be changed at the twinkle of an eye from mortal to immortal. Amen! On the other hand, the pretense that we’re not in need for Him to return quickly because we have so much grace, flowing in all obedience, defeating the devil and enjoying this world so much is rather a sign we’re yet to understand what God’s purpose is and what the body of Christ is truly confronting at this time. There has never been a time such as we have now— even the most devoted Christians are in anguish of heart if not for themselves, then for the exceeding danger facing the babies in Christ from being so easily deceived because of the unleashing of demons that is inspiring so many false preachers and teachers today. Their cheap doctrines tend to encourage us not to be too serious with our salvation since Christ has done it all. So, we can as well avoid suffering with Christ Rom 8:17-18, 2 Tim 2:12. It’s regrettable and disheartening! God’s grace at work in those in Christ provides sufficiently to overcome lack in any form or preserves through any situation they may face while waiting and eagerly expecting His bodily return though His visitations to them who love and obey Him are many.
His many visitations to those who are His brothers in this present world sustains them in a way the religious (moral and immoral people in the church who do not have His spirit) know nothing about! A song writer, C Austin Miles, was overwhelmed with His visitation and he burst into writing or should I say singing: And he walks with me And He talks with me, And He tells me I am his own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
Those who taste the joy of His visitations can never be satisfied with mundane things no matter how appealing they may be. It creates in our hearts a hunger for God and for His service in a way we can hardly ever be able to fulfill fully. The words of C Austin Miles buttresses this when he said, “It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.” Enjoying God this much in spite of the limitation of the mortal body creates a longing to be carried away like Enoch. Also, for His appearing and our bodily resurrection to immortality which brings us into another dimension of enjoying His fatherly fellowship that can never be broken again. This fellowship is far better than the one Adam and Eve knew! Psalms and spiritual songs are blessings the Holy Spirit puts into the hearts of Christ’s bride. No wonder, we’re told that when the saints gather together in the Lord’s name, one person should have a Psalm and another have a spiritual song, mixed together, the body is greatly edified. In private, each lively stone is a musician—worshiping and edifying itself in the most Holy Faith and hope. This is the life of the spirit—it conquers all things with much joy not with tiredness, grudges, bitterness and, “please come quickly Jesus before the devil takes me to his side!” If you’re a believer, I challenge you to pray, “O God, open the window of Heaven to me” and you, open your heart too to receive blessings of Heaven that prepares and nourishes the soul. Wait patiently and see your needs met so long as you’re prepared to accept the channel God chooses. It may come through your wife or husband so, if you have no respect for your spouse, it means you’ll have to repent because they’re God’s gift to you. It may come through a brother we’re not in good terms with. God uses it as a means to workout repentance and cleansing of His body from unforgiving spirit and bringing in reconciliation among those that are quarreling. When a word or kind deed from a brother bless our hearts, it is a statement to us to be humble and let our bowel of mercy and love abound. God is working out good or light in us through everything He does for us and with us! It takes repentance to bless and receive from those we don’t like. But, God must finish off that carnal nature in our souls! Enemies on earth will not be friends in heaven—the earth is a place of reconciliation. Selah! His providence comes many times through far and strange sources that we may know He is the only one we must depend on totally; knowing He can use any person He chooses to bless us both spiritually and physically. Therefore, slavish devotion to anyone for the sake of receiving favor is not in the agenda of those who are learning to walk with Christ and eagerly expecting His return. True eager expectation of Christ’s return creates a pleasant attitude and instills a sense of deep caution in His people as to how they pursue the affairs of this life which tends to distract the heart from Him. If our attention is constantly on Him, it helps us give Him the chance to work out our utmost good not just momentary good. This kind of attitude will prevent us from spending all our time on this earth devoted to acquiring temporal things which death separates from us perpetually. Selah! Those who focus on PREDICTING the time of Christ’s return because of the rapid fulfillment of many prophetic events in our time rather than its purpose are often ensnared with wanting to advise Christ when to return and prove that their forecast is correct. This attitude may end up leading us to say, “The resurrection has already happened” maybe in the spirit–really!? 2 Tim 2:18NLT In summary, we’re to love God, use all of the grace He is making available to us to walk and work with Him daily. Then, the pre, mid, post or whatever new “revelation” might be propounded in the future will not toss us to and fro. Walking with Him and engaging the world with the gospel daily as we face our legitimate endeavors for our bodily up keeps in a watchful and prayerful manner will keep us in a state of readiness than any time framing theology can do.
Our Christ, brother and bridegroom will come when the Father chooses (next week, 20 or 100 years from now), we’ll not be caught unawares if we take up the profession of digging into the purpose of the faith daily and ridding ourselves of the refuge of lies material bound teachers are filling our atmosphere with.
Those who truly have the hope of His return (now a trash talk for many); understand the dichotomy between the spiritual and physical—being fully persuaded that there is indeed life with God after this momentary mortal life. Therefore, knowing that the spiritual life is far more superior to the physical, the wise is more devoted to handling physical affairs with the eyes of the spiritual Rev 3:17, Prov 4:23. For, the spiritual gave birth to the physical and will eventually dominate! Heb 10:23NLT, 2 Cor 4:16-18. Amen Finally, I implore you not to be alarmed to hear that, ‘His return may happen in a matter of few days, 20 or even 100 years from now’ because, the Father owes none of His sons explanations for His actions especially as it pertains to the return of Christ Jesus Matt 24:36, 1 John3:3, Heb 9:28. Maranatha!
This excerpt from “Beauty for Ashes Part 5” is written by George H. Warnock–a beloved brother in Christ. Exposing how self centeredness led to wrong expression of emotions which eventually led the children of God to idolatry (worship of things and the enemy of their God and their souls). This holds a lesson for us today, as we seek a simple and truthful walk with God.
Quail Instead of Manna
The people of God were on their way to Canaan. Even in their much murmuring and complaining God had been faithfully making every provision for them: manna from heaven that provided absolutely every nutrient that they needed for physical health and strength. Water out of the Rock… pure and fresh, and so mingled with the life of God that it was called “spiritual drink”. The Cloud of His presence overshadowed them by day and by night. Briefly stated, Moses declared:
“Thou hast lacked nothing”. But they got tired of it all. The vision of Canaan became something far-out and strange. This precious food God gave them became something they loathed. It didn’t satisfy their fleshly appetites anymore. It didn’t seem to fill them up. (We have dealt with all this at some length in the writing “Beauty For Ashes Part II – A Way Through The Wilderness“).
They complained to Moses, and Moses told God about it… and God said “I will send them flesh to satisfy the lusts of their hearts… I will send so much of it they will not know how to handle it”. What a strong warning to us in this day! If we forsake the vision of those “far-out” fruits of Canaan land, and continue crying out for temporal blessings… God might listen to our cries! God sent them so much fleshly blessing it seemed to fall like rain from the sky,–but it was a blessing that became a curse. The prophet Malachi said, “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart… I will curse your blessings” (Mal. 2:2).
Even while God was blessing them and answering their prayers, they were “sinning against Him” “provoking Him”… “Tempting Him”… “Speaking against Him”… “Limiting Him”. (See Psa. 78). I know God is blessing His people today in copious showers everywhere. But in many cases there are resentments and murmurings against God and man, hard-feelings, unforgiving attitudes of the heart. And perhaps most of this stems from lack of vision for the true riches. The deeper life that comes in abiding union with Christ is set at naught for the enjoyment of temporary blessings that soon wither away.
In the morning God “rained” manna on them from heaven. And at eventide He “rained” flesh on them by an east wind, (In the scriptures the “east wind” speaks of blight, and drought, and judgment). And while He was answering their prayer His anger was kindled against them.
He “opened the doors of heaven, and had rained down manna upon them… He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls as the sand of the sea” (Psa. 78:21-27). It wasn’t something the Devil sent. God sent it… because they insisted they were starving to death with that loathsome manna. Actually they were never so healthy in their lives. There was not one “feeble one among them” as they walked with God, and partook of His provision with thankful hearts. The leanness they thought they had, kept them in good health and strength. They thought they were too “lean” by eating the manna; but when they ate the quail, God “sent leanness into their soul” (Psa. 106:15).
Notice this very awesome fact: While they were chewing on the food that God sent them, “The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them” (Psa. 78:31).
Now if all this sounds strange and perplexing it is because we do not understand Gods righteous judgments. We can see an enactment of this same story right in our midst today. Once again in the midst of the Church we have “a mixed multitude” who have “mixed desires” (See Num. 11:4). We better seek the Lord earnestly that He would purge from our hearts every desire that is not from Him. Because if we want God, but want carnal blessings along with it,–God may send the manna in the morning, and the quail in the evening. “Purge our hearts, Lord, from evil desire, that we might delight ourselves only in Thee.”
What did Moses the prophet of God mean by telling His people that they have “lacked nothing”!? Was He lying? Because, the people were still in the wilderness not in a posh neighborhood, didn’t have houses, their children were not in schools that will guarantee their earthly futures, didn’t own chariots (admirable cars), the girls available for the boys to marry and vice versa didn’t have bright future, their husbands and wives were not doing so well like those of other nations etc. These are the things that had the highest priority in their hearts and not having them, created excessive bother to them, made them hurt, sad, sorrowful, bitter and jealous and then, rebellious against God’s servants, murmur, and eventually lead them to idolatry.
If the same lust for things hidden in their hearts is in our own hearts, in the time of exposing what is in the heart (time of testing) why would we think it wouldn’t lead us to end the same way they ended except for the few who knew what the faith was really meant for. Which is, to worship, edify His people and teach pagans to accept the God of Israel and stop crisis crossing the earth for cucumber which lasts only for a season!
If we have Christ indeed, we lack nothing! All the blessings God can give to us to prove He loves us and that we belong to Him is Christ in our spirit and soul. Christians who realize this truth enjoy this present life while it lasts through every circumstance (rich or poor not withstanding). If you’re a minister of the gospel, don’t let the graveyard preach this truth more than you do! For it will be a shame to you! Selah!
There is a clarion call from God’s word; calling out to the – lively stones (Christ’s brothers), saying, “Worship in spirit and truth” John 4:23. Kiss the Son but not like Judas the betrayer! Luke 22:48.
Awake to the first love you had for Him if indeed you’ve ever loved Him— for, many know nothing about loving Jesus or having faith toward God (Daniel 3:16-18, Habakkuk 3:17-19) because we’re bombarded today with only the exercising of faith to possess our possessions (earthly needs) which the earthly people get without exercising our so called “faith”.
It’s imperative we know that verses 17-19 of Hab 3 did not happen as a result of lack of exercise of faith. Rather, such things happen for our own good as supervised by the Alpha and Omega. Well, I guess this will sound stupid and pass as escapist theory for the materialist minded (visualize and claim it folks). But, Romans 8:5-8, 28 should help us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose“.
Amplification of this truth shows that good is light Eph 5:8-9. Light (good), is what God intends to work out in the life of THOSE WHO LOVE HIM through All things He permits to happen to them John 14:15. This is actually His purpose!
Therefore, every situation that confronts us should lead us to the light of God e.g Stephen’s stoning and “early” death worked out light for him—He didn’t go cursing, hating and denying Jesus for not coming to his rescue despite his mountain moving faith. The phrase “work together for good” doesn’t mean, ‘Don’t worry it will all eventually turn out as you wish, just exercise faith’. If we walk in darkness because we’re confronted with evil circumstance, we’re missing the essence of us being lively stones (light) in the Lord Rom 12:21.
So, don’t give room to the magicians, sorcerers, and merchandisers with bibles, blind and reprobate religious gurus of this age wanting to deceive you. Don’t let the temporal successes or failures of this life drain God’s rich life in you Prov 27:24. Remember that Satan is still looking for those he will deceive with his voice and use them as sons of perdition to shame Christ Heb 6:6 (KJV).
Therefore, discerning voices is vital for the end times we live in as it was with the early church.Voice carries unbelievable power— it’s so important that God takes His time to train each lively stone to learn His voice.
Every part of His spiritual house must learn His voice John 10:4-5. We notice in verse 4, all the sheep know His voice. Many sheep echo His voice as He chooses to speak from anyone of them. Also, we’re made to be aware in verse 5, that while the voice of the stranger (Satan) speaks directly to deceive, he uses his messengers (strangers–wolfs in sheep clothing) to trumpet his voice to accomplish his purposes.
The phrase, “they do not know the voice of strangers” is well explained to us in the beginning of verse 5, “A stranger they will not follow”— not only that they do not follow or obey, “they will flee from him” because the scripture does not encourage anyone to enter into conversation or fencing with the devil and his cohorts. These seemingly simple words of Jesus is safety device for us!
But, because we ignore His wise counsel BY NOT SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES OR SEARCHING BUT FORGETTING THAT THE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF HIM (John 5:39, Acts 17:11), the voice of the smooth talker is making many build fantastic and admirable edifices (fake kingdoms with fake following) wrapped up with humanistic intentions which is another gospel.
We need to know that wood not overlaid with gold and silver, clay not broken, straw and hay can’t stand His fire Malachi 3:1-18. Wood overlaid and jars of clay broken will enjoy the resurrection now and attend to the future resurrection unto immortality with God.
Worship at the end, will be in God Himself the very temple Rev 21:22-27. It’s vital to mention that the kings in verse 24 of Rev 21 are now being prepared to learn to bring glory to the Lamb Who is the light of the temple or city. So, it’s not referring to men’s kings—who’re rulers of mankind!
His Royal Priesthood in our Generation
The church (His city) is far from dying as many suppose! By institutional measurement, the gates of hell have already prevailed longer than we can imagine. But for the spiritual house God Himself is building, there has never been any time a great number of the priesthood have been obedient to Christ like in our generation.
Myopic opinion will hinder many from seeing that His royal priesthood today is taking conscious decisions and steps that are far reaching in order to glorify Christ in different parts of the world (China, Japan, India etc). Meanwhile, MANY of us are totally engrossed with possessing earthly possessions! It boils down to the issue of balance which, watchfulness and prayer will help calibrate! As Christ is speaking to the church loud and clear, His word is awakening slumberers.
Listen with your ears if indeed you are part of His lively stones (kings-yes! kings are His servants) and act on His command to fit your place in the construction of His temple that has been going-on for over 2,000 years. The time to use the temple for the marriage feast is nearer now than ever before. Midnight is coming upon us fast that the bride may enter the dawn of His glorious morning!
How long more before the time is due? Only the arrogant knows! But, the humble takes the posture of obeying His instruction, “watch and pray” Mark 14:38. We must not run away from God because He sells His gold and silver to us by reprove and discipline.
It’s a show of His love for us! Rev 3:18-20. We need to continually examine our soil (old fashion talk but it remains valid 1 Tim 4:16, Acts 24:16). “As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience”(Luke 8:15), Heb 6:7, Rev 3:10.
It is time for every lively stone as part of Christ’s body to abandon consumer mentality and timidity!
BE A BLESSING IN THE GATHERING OF THE SAINTS TO WHICH GOD HAS SET YOU BY EXERCISING YOUR GIFT NOT SKILL (Rom 12:5-8 NLT). Exercising skill doesn’t take devotion to God but for His gift in our lives, it does! We’re called to His devotion and then, to play our part according to the measure of faith and grace He is pouring into us daily as members of the present royal priesthood! Refuse to operate as a Levitical priest and have no high priest over you under any heading except Christ!
Take a look again at the picture above (which is a representation of the body)—notice the unique shape and colour of each small and big stone. Each stone is shaped and sized by God. The least of them is greater than John the Baptist! Imagine the big stones trying to brag to the small ones about their bigness when they cannot fit in the place the small ones fit and vice versa. See the beauty the blend of their colours gives; it’s because of their positioning! He that set each stones position achieved that beauty– God is indeed a designer!
While He has admitted us into His Life freely, we’re encouraged as individual lively stones to go further and accept His design for our lives and thereby enter into His abundant life (the fullest measure of God’s life mortals can enjoy while in the earth) not posh life (though nothing is wrong with that privilege). But, this richness of the soul the Holy Spirit is speaking to the great house about waits for every lively stone for the taking. Whoever is willing, CAN take it by force John 10:10, 1 Tim 6:12, Matt 11:12.
Always remember! You’re not a cement mixture which, you or other people pour into their molding machine to produce the shape of stone or block they need to accomplish their ambitions. You’re a stone hewn out from Christ to bear His image, praise and glorify the Father now and for all eternity. Our big caution! We don’t just relish in this knowledge—we accept it and it works in us and conform us actively, daily to His pattern and purposes. Amen.
Paul the Apostle in Ephesians 1:5 established beyond any reasonable doubt that God planned our salvation on His own and finished His work of making us His own or workmanship without our works Eph 2:8-9. The reason behind it is this; He uses only lively stones for building and entrenching of His spiritual house or kingdom Col 1:13. Lively stones are hewed out by God Himself for His own use.
In Eph 2:10 and 1 Pet 2:5, Paul and Peter the Apostles calls our attention to God’s love and His respect towards us by showing that His plan is to work in us and through us as we keep in step with the Holy Spirit Gal 5:25. We’re lively stones not dead stones or robots! Praise God.
We as lively stones continue to keep alive by remaining in Christ Jesus (The Rock) as we consistently study the scripture, meditating on it and labouring with it. These are the most profitable ventures any soul could possibly engage in— in this life time Isaiah 51:1. The flashes of light and life that enters our being as our souls engage with God in His great house is priceless! Psalm 119:130, 36:9, John 1:4. It causes the soul to desire to go and be with God quickly and perpetually!
But, the sight of the dying world and the knowledge that God can and is willing to impact the lives of others through us as we continue our pilgrim journey through this evil world serves as an encouragement to remain and endure sufferings and temptations Phil 1:21-26.
Seeing lives saved (brought into the spiritual house), brought into the assemblies of saints (great house) in this present world and transforming them from one degree of glory to another in Christ becomes the main reason to live beyond other reasons 2 Cor 3:18.
We desire the fullest expression of the resurrection life of the Rock from which we were hewn to envelope us as we gather together regularly unto Him in fellowship.
Though it has not yet manifested, our longing is not abated Eph 4:13. This creates a further longing to be caught up by some means to mature manhood which is an inheritance of each lively stone as the spiritual house is growing to the stature of the fullness of Christ. This surging of eternal life in us will be fully enjoyed eventually when we’re finally clothed with our immortal bodies. But, for the mean time, we keep coveting for more grace to enable us give room for His life within us and amongst us to flow out to accomplish His purpose to finish the building of the spiritual house.
The Gospel
God’s love towards us has been and is displayed to us in Christ through His physical manifestation or incarnation, suffering, obedience to death and His resurrection. This same process is ordained for us as we’re manifested to be seen by principalities and our fellow men when we are born again (regenerated in Christ). This ushers us into suffering, obedience even to death and as a result, His resurrection power is continually leading us to the resurrection awaiting us. Amen
God has made us His workmanship—causing the gospel to erupt inside our being to conform our lifestyles to His image Rom 8:29. As the early church’ lifestyle yielded to God’s image, we notice that those who believed in the Lord Jesus was added to the church (assembling of God’s people) Acts 2:41, Acts 5:14.
Ephesians chapter 2 verse 10, lays out the plan of God for His workmanship (many membered body) 1 Cor 12:14, Rom 12:5. Now, God has fitted each lively stone with a nature or gift (not skill) which makes it uniquely relevant in the temple being built. Any stone that becomes lukewarm is selfish Rev 3:15-17.
Lukewarmness is making partnership with the devil and it eventually leads to wickedness, blindness, laziness and shame etc. Therefore, this is the Lord’s admonition and advice, “Would that you were either cold or hot!” Rev 3:18-20.
Failing to heed God’s counsel is met with severe consequence Rev 3:16 but by His grace, we’ll yield to Him in this present season and hour that He is speaking to you and I as part of His temple and the gates of hell will not prevail. And our reward is unfathomable! Rev 3:21. Awake Zion and trim your lamp!
Avoiding Shame
To walk with God and work for God described by Paul as “building on the foundation”, we’re to follow His instruction in order to work or build according to His pattern and purpose. Why? There are many patterns and purposes that are not God’s but come from self not even the devil. It’s the mentality of, “I can do it skillfully to the best of my ability—so long as I do it with good intentions” but, self, skill and good intentions are sacrifices He is not asking from the lively stones. He desires obedience to His well tested pattern (instruction) which is uncomplicated as laid out in the bible.
We are aware that self will be defeated by God and put to shame eventually. To avoid shame Paul admonishes us not to be presumptuous but to rightly handle (living and building according to) the word of God 2 Tim 2:15, 1 Tim 4:16. This type of obedience to God’s word makes us as individual parts and many congregations unique in our own way yet united by His word of truth in doctrine and practice 1 Cor 7:17,11:16, Eph 4:13.
Since we are the workmanship of God, we need to be aware that self (clay) has no future with God. As we attend to public reading of the scripture as the church gathers regularly, through the process of teaching; reproofing, correcting and training in righteousness (practice our gifts) the clay is debased. Through constant practice of each lively stone’s gift, competence is gained and each stone is strengthened DAILY 2 Tim3:16-17.
Paul seems to be telling us that the only way to avoid shame before God’s presence is to “rightly handle the word of truth”. This is far beyond “doing as the leaders have said”. Actually, it is doing as you’ve learnt from Christ in the scriptures by the help of the Holy Spirit within you (Acts 17:11NLT). Failure to practice this is lukewarmness.
The church is described as a great house with the treasures of gold, silver, wood and clay 2 Tim2:20. It’s important to note that the church is not the treasure. While gold and silver tell us about God’s nature in man, wood and clay depicts the earthiness of our being. Clarifying Rom9:21, the aspect of man referenced as clay and wood by God’s foreknowledge is predestined for destruction because it is earthy, dishonorable and cannot conform to His image! Nevertheless, they are found in the holy house because they were admitted by grace not by merit. However, the clay as a jar for temporal use must be broken and wood, must be overlaid inside and outside with gold and silver according to God’s instruction for the building of His temple Exodus 25:11, 13.
Every jar broken and wood overlaid with gold will be ready for every good work that is honorable to God 2 Tim 2:21. God demanded from the beginning that His gold and silver override the wood and clay— meaning that man is to obey His Spirit within him and His voice of instruction as opposed to self or external forces. For this reason, we’re referred to as lively stones (precious metal) which is destined for honourable use and not clay.
Abiding as a lively stone for the on-going construction of the spiritual house, each stone flees youthful passion— meaning everyone breaks their jar of clay so that the light which is the treasure of gold and silver or fruit of the Spirit (righteousness, faith, joy, love, and peace) may envelop the soul and flow out to confound the enemy, blessing the one through whom it is flowing and others within the great house (assembly of saints) and beyond Judges 7:15-21, 2 Cor 4:7, Gal 6:10. In the end, God is glorified.
We see Gideon typifying the Holy Spirit Who has prior knowledge of the plans of the enemies of Israel and sees their weakness and foolishness in thinking to destroy the army of God. For us (Christ’ bride), the Holy Spirit exposes the wicked plans of the enemy to us from the pages of the scriptures and gives us instruction to take the double edged sword and break our jar Rom 12:1 for light to flow out because we can’t go into darkness to fight without goodness or light Rom 12:21, Eph 6:10-18, Zech 4:6.
The brightness of His light and energy coming out against the enemy from the many membered great house, will expose the cowardice of the strong man (Satan) who is a created being made subject to the creator— even our Christ and brother Eph 3:10.
Gideon’s 300, served as a shadow of the reality of Christ’ lively stones. Like Gideon’s 300, we are being instructed on how to break our jar of clay by the process of renewing of our minds. They did not regard the clay for anything and so must we 2 Cor 5:16. We like them, are called to be single minded as pilgrims on the earth to give glory to God’s purposes at all costs 2 Tim 2:4, James 1:8KJV. Double mindedness is a deadly evil nature as opposed to doubting God in a particular situation which is common to all of God’s servants.
We, as “lively stones” must understand that the reason for being priests and kings to God and not to men Rev 5:10, is to “proclaim His excellencies” by word, walk and work 1 Pet 2:9.
We’ll finish this meditation in the second part of “Lively stones for the Spiritual House”.
The Lord keep you and may His light shine from you, giving you victory and blessing all peoples coming in contact with you. Amen
bodily to make His important purchase of the “souls” of men. The soul of man is the most important thing in the earth though it is darken, wrinkled and totally depraved —its preciousness cannot be valued by mortals. But, the fact that God was willing to pay the price with His own blood should speak volumes to all of mankind.of preaching the gospel to the souls who are still in the market place will remain the most important assignment God has for those who receive Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord. This commission produces the greatest miracle of regeneration ever known to man. It’s far superior to the miracle of the Sun standing still, the red sea parting, the poor becoming rich and the dead coming back to life.
The doctrine regarding the return of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ is intended to awake us His body to a daily faith filled walk with Him and to be caught up in Him. Also, to cloth us with His ever abiding presence so that we’re always ready both to give an answer for the hope we have in Him and to be called home either by death without prior notice, as we’ve been notified by Him or by being suddenly clothed with our immortal body at His appearing 1 Jn 2:28NLT, Phil 2:16NLT, 1 Cor 1:7-8NLT, 2 Pet 1:14NKJV, 1 Cor 15:52. The sounds of His trumpets are reverberating during the day and at night in the spiritual ears of those who are in Christ and keeping them alert in a way that is peaceful. This peaceful alertness, knows nothing about escapism! It’s not in a hurry to escape this life’s troubles and difficulties. Rather, it’s propelled by the unspeakable joy springing from a real sense of knowing the reality of eternal bliss with God by the help of the Holy Spirit in union with Christ who has opened an eternal way to FELLOWSHIP with God. Adam and Eve enjoyed this marvelous privilege in the Garden of Eden before self and the devil conspired to ruin this God ordained destiny for man. Handling this eternal truth of the Lord’s return as if to say His grace is becoming weak over time and we need to escape is not wise. As usual, when the things of God are dealt with in an unwise manner the devil jumps in quickly and attempts to change its purpose. It is presently crucial that we remind ourselves of the purpose of God in everything He has given to us and especially this lively teaching of His return to the earth. As stated earlier, it is to keep us in an alert state at all times in spite of any circumstances we’re in—even if we’re hard pressed on every side spiritually and physically or flying on Eagles wings and possess all the earthly things we want. On one hand, we can engage this doctrine in a way that serves only our own purpose and state of mind though unintentionally by portraying that this world is too hot for God and His worshipers and as such, He is in a hurry to run away with them before they’re defeated . Usually, Mark 13:20 is used to support this view, the interpretation of which cannot be further from the truth. If anything, we’re boldly told that the grace of God is sufficient for those in Christ! 2 Cor 12:9,1:5, Phil 4:12. The phrase in verse 20 of Matt 13, “no human being would be saved” or no flesh would have survived is a reference to being physically alive. Some elect of God must be physically alive at the time of His return and will be changed at the twinkle of an eye from mortal to immortal. Amen! On the other hand, the pretense that we’re not in need for Him to return quickly because we have so much grace, flowing in all obedience, defeating the devil and enjoying this world so much is rather a sign we’re yet to understand what God’s purpose is and what the body of Christ is truly confronting at this time. There has never been a time such as we have now— even the most devoted Christians are in anguish of heart if not for themselves, then for the exceeding danger facing the babies in Christ from being so easily deceived because of the unleashing of demons that is inspiring so many false preachers and teachers today. Their cheap doctrines tend to encourage us not to be too serious with our salvation since Christ has done it all. So, we can as well avoid suffering with Christ Rom 8:17-18, 2 Tim 2:12. It’s regrettable and disheartening! God’s grace at work in those in Christ provides sufficiently to overcome lack in any form or preserves through any situation they may face while waiting and eagerly expecting His bodily return though His visitations to them who love and obey Him are many.
And he walks with me And He talks with me, And He tells me I am his own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
These are the things that had the highest priority in their hearts and not having them, created excessive bother to them, made them hurt, sad, sorrowful, bitter and jealous and then, rebellious against God’s servants, murmur, and eventually lead them to idolatry.
